Danone is expanding its Silk Protein line into yogurt and shakes as the food giant leans into the popular nutrient to bring more younger consumers into plant-based dairy.
Danone launched its Silk Protein milk last November after noting many plant-based dairy offerings on the market had yet to capitalize on the protein craze. So far, the early performance “is extremely encouraging” because it is drawing more shoppers into the milk space and increasing overall consumption, said Kallie Goodwin, senior vice president of plant-based beverages at Danone USA.
“We wanted to capitalize on that momentum and performance in order to extend that platform into other categories” like yogurts and shakes, Goodwin said. “We felt like there was a huge opportunity for a plant-based offering that was both really functional and nutritious.”
The yogurts, which began hitting shelves in late June, are available in four single-serve options: vanilla, strawberry, peach, and mixed berry, as well as a tub format featuring vanilla. The chocolate and vanilla shakes began rolling out to stores this month and feature chocolate and vanilla.
The expansion of Silk Protein comes as demand for the popular nutrient remains robust among consumers.
The International Food Information Council found in 2025 that 70% of Americans said they want more protein in their diets compared to 59% four years ago. The organization also reported last month that protein is becoming a bigger factor in purchasing decisions, with 42% of shoppers looking out for the ingredient in nutrition lists.
Danone’s Silk protein line is primarily targeting millennials and Generation Z consumers who are increasingly interested in plant-based products that deliver functional benefits. If Danone can attract these consumers who will increasingly have more buying power over time, it gives the food maker confidence that its Silk protein offerings will resonate with other demographics, Goodwin said.
“If we can win with them, it's a huge indicator of long-term success,” she added.
The new yogurt and shakes are positioned to win in large part because of their taste, a challenge that some high-protein products have struggled to meet, Goodwin added. Silk’s products also contain other coveted nutrients, including fiber, calcium and vitamins B and D. They also have no artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners.
The innovation continues an aggressive push by Danone to bring its portfolio deeper into protein as the dairy industry stands to be among the biggest beneficiaries from frenzied demand for the nutrient. Last year, it rolled out an Oikos yogurt drink aimed at GLP-1 users as well as high-protein shakes.
